Frequently Asked Questions

General Information about our Summer Programs

No. Our programs are only open to female-identified students in an effort to uphold the mission of Barnard College to educate young women.

How safe is Barnard’s campus?

Morningside Heights is the 5th safest precinct in New York City. For further information, please see information from the Office of Public Safety .

Can I commute?

We offer commuter options for the 4-week Summer in the City and 1-week Liberal Arts Intensive ONLY. You must be a residential student in order to participate in YWLI, Dance in the City, and Athena Summer Innovation Institute because of the collaborative nature of the projects for those programs.

Are there any prerequisites to any of the programs or courses?

Unless otherwise noted on the course description, courses do not require any prerequisites. See the Dance in the City page for more information regarding expectations for that program.

Application Process

When is the deadline to apply?

Applications will be available by Mid-January. The deadline to apply is MAY 28, 2018. Admissions decisions will be made on a rolling admission basis. Apply early for the greatest number of class options.

I thought all my application materials were sent in. Why does my application say pending?

An indication of 'pending' on your registration does not necessarily mean that we have not received your materials. We do not track materials using the website. You may send us an email if you are concerned about receipt of your documentation.

I’m homeschooled; what should I do about recommendations?

We require at least one recommendation from a non-parent that assesses the student’s academic performance. If the only individuals involved in instruction are parents, we accept recommendations for work done in a group situation, extra-curricular, or job setting that speak to a sense of effort, responsibility, teamwork, intellectual curiosity, or particular skills. On occasion, a request may be made for additional recommendation letters.

When will I be notified of the decision?

Decisions are made on a rolling basis. You should receive a decision within a month of the office receiving a completed application. It is up to the student to make sure that all parts of the application have been received by the office.

Yes. If the two programs’ dates do not conflict, you may apply to both programs. HOWEVER, if a student is accepted into one of the programs, preference for admission into the second program will go to those students who have not applied to two programs. Please note that applicants may apply to ONLY the 4-week program OR 1 (or 2) 1-week programs. If an applicant is closed out of the program for which she applies, the Office of Precollege Programs will contact the student and offer a second choice, if available. If a student is attending two programs, please note the following:

The College cannot provide housing or storage of belongings for the one week gap between the end of one program and the start of another;

Two application fees will be required to process the applications for two programs; and

If a student decides not to attend the second program after starting the first, note our refund policy.

I just graduated from high school, can I still apply now to any of Barnard’s Pre-College Programs?

We offer limited scholarships to those students who demonstrate need. There will be one full scholarship awarded for each of the six programs. No merit scholarships are awarded. In addition, aid is not provided for international students. Please note that there is a separate Scholarship Application that must be filled out in addition to the program application. The deadline for the Scholarship Application is March 23,2018. See our Scholarship page for more information.

How old do I have to be to participate in the program?

The Summer Pre-College Programs are for female rising juniors and seniors in high school – those students entering 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2018.

Can I have the application fee waived?

We do not offer fee waivers to applicants unless they are affiliated with a community-based organization (CBO).

When should I expect my supporting documents to be received by the Pre-College Office?

Please note that materials sent to our office via US mail or FedEx may take up to 3-5 days to process (this is in addition to the time it takes to mail the item) through the College’s mailroom. Receipts signed by a member of our mailroom staff do not indicate that the material is actually in our office; confirmation via email to the PCP office is advised.

Help! I sent in my application months ago and haven’t heard anything! What should I do?

If you are in this situation, you should contact our office ASAP. There is a chance your application was never completed or your decision letter may have been lost in transit. You can contact us at pcp@barnard.edu or by phone at 212.854.8866.

Liberal Arts Intensive (1-week, including science courses) & Dance in the City

Refund Date

Amount

Prior to Sunday, 6/24

$500 deposit forfeited, full refund of balance

Between 6/24 - 6/29

$500 deposit forfeited, 50% of balance refunded

Between 6/30 - 7/7

$500 deposit forfeited, 25% of balance refunded

After 7/8

No Refund, deposit forfeited

Is the cost of food included in tuition?

The cost of the regular meal plan is included in tuition. We also offer a kosher meal plan for an additional cost.

Course Information

When will I know what my class schedule is?

You will be able to select your class(es) once you are accepted into the program. A $500 deposit is required to secure your place in the class(es) you choose. We cannot enroll students in any classes unless we have received their deposit, even if you signed up for your classes using our online form.. Unfortunately, we cannot honor requests for class changes once a student has been enrolled. Please note that the Pre-College Program reserves the right to cancel under-enrolled classes and place students in their next available choice.

I was closed out of my first choice class option. Can I switch classes?

No. In order to maintain the integrity of our program and keep class enrollment to a minimum, we can only place a certain number of students into each class. While we cannot guarantee enrollment into your first choice preference, we ask that you look to other additional class options that may match your interests in the best way possible.

Can I receive college credit for any of the classes I take?

No. Each student receives an individualized written evaluation from her instructor(s) rather than college credit. These evaluations can be copied and included in college applications as supplemental recommendations.

How much do course materials cost?

It is suggested that students bring $75 for books and materials for each class.

Is there a dress code?

No and Yes. No in the sense that students are not required to wear formal attire or uniforms to attend class. That said, we do expect students to be mindful of their appearance, and to dress appropriately for an academic setting. It is strongly recommended that students bring at least one or two “business casual” outfits for program excursions.

Packing and Travel Information

What qualifies as "business casual" clothing? Why do I need to pack this?

Students in all of our programs will be traveling throughout the city and meeting with prominent figures at networking events. For this reason, we request that all students pack one or two "business casual" outfits. Examples of "business casual" ensembles can be found here.

I am flying into New York to attend the program. Do you provide any shuttle service to and from campus?

No. Students are responsible for arranging transportation to campus. Please see our Accepted Students page for more information.

Should I bring my own computer?

You may bring your own computer, but it is not required. Students have access to two Barnard computer labs with printers.

May I move into the residence hall early?

No. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate any students in the residence hall before the program begins. Please plan to arrive on the day of your program’s opening.

I live far away, can I have things shipped for me to pick up when I arrive?

No. The Pre-College Programs Office does not accept packages on behalf of its students before their arrival.

Residential Life

May I be away from the residence hall overnight?

Yes. With permission from a parent or guardian, students are allowed to stay overnight away from the residence hall in Manhattan for exceptional reasons. Students are required to submit a Overnight Permission Form if they need to stay off-campus. Please keep in mind that students are discouraged from staying off-campus. Frequent overnight stays away from the program are disruptive to the students and the integrity of the program.

Will you provide linens?

We do not provide sheets, towels, bedding, etc. for students. There are a variety of stores in the area where housing items can be purchased. We recommend the Bed, Bath, and Beyond on 65th Street and Broadway.

Yes, but only in Manhattan. Students are allowed to explore on their own, but they must sign out of the residence hall and inform the Office of Pre-College Programs of their intended destination and provide a cell phone number. Students are equipped with the number of the RA Duty phone, the phone number of the RAs on their floor, as well as the number for Barnard Public Safety.

Can I have visitors in my Residence Hall?

Only legal guardians with valid photo ID are allowed access to student halls and rooms. All other guests can visit students in the lobby of Sulzberger Hall. All guests (including legal guardians) are required to leave the building before curfew. Immediate family members (with valid photo ID) are permitted access to student halls and rooms during move-in and move-out only.

My friend is attending the Pre-College Program, too! Can we room together?

While we do not guarantee specific roommate requests, our Housing Application allows accepted students to request a specific roommate by mutual request.

Is there a curfew?

Yes,there is a strictly enforced curfew. Students must be present and signed in the residence hall by 11:30 PM on weeknights (Sunday through Thursday), and by 12:00 midnight on weekends (Friday and Saturday). There are no curfew extensions except for RA-led excursions.

Meal Plan

I have a dietary restriction. What kinds of food options are available?

Evening and Weekend Activities

What will I be able to do in the evening?

We provide a multitude of activities each evening. We strive to include every type of experience one could hope to have in New York City. Whether you’re from New York City or Nebraska or Turkey, we guarantee you’ll find something that interests you in the evenings and on weekends! A calendar of events will be made available during check-in, but for a look at last years' events, click here.

How much spending money should I bring?

The suggested amount of spending money is about $75-$100 per week. This amount will vary depending on how often you dine off campus, travel throughout New York City, etc. While all meals are provided on campus, many students chose to eat out a few times a week. Discounted Broadway tickets will be available to students, and they are typically $50-$60 each. Other activities organized by the residential life staff will be at little to no cost.

Is there an ATM on campus/what banks are close to campus?

Yes. There is a Citibank ATM located in Barnard Hall, the most central building on-campus. In addition, there is a Banco Popular, a Chase Bank, and a Citibank all within walking distance of campus.

Campus Facilities

What campus facilities will I have access to?

Each student will have access to Hewitt Dining Hall, the mail room in Altschul Hall, reading privileges at both the library at Barnard and Butler Library at Columbia, as well as computer labs in the lower level of Sulzberger Hall. For an additional fee, 4-week students may also use the Dodge Center for Fitness at Columbia University.

Will I be able to receive mail and packages after my arrival?

Yes. All students will be able to receive mail on weekdays at the Barnard mail room on the lower level of Altschul Hall.

What is my mailing address?

Your name
Pre-College Program [MUST INCLUDE TO INSURE PROMPT DELIVERY]
Barnard College
3009 Broadway
New York, NY 10027-6598

Will I have access to a swimming pool?

Summer in the City (4-week) students have the option of signing up for a gym membership at the Dodge Fitness Center at Columbia for an additional fee. As part of this membership, students will have access to a comprehensive fitness facility and an indoor swimming pool.

Are there practice rooms available for musicians and dancers?

Practice rooms will not be available for musicians and dancers. However, there is a piano in Lewis Parlor, which pianists may be free to use.

Will I have access to a computer/printer?

Yes. Students will have access to the two computer labs equipped with printers in the basement of Sulzberger Hall.

Disability Services

Are there accommodations for disabled students? Whom can I contact about services for students with disabilities?

Connect you with the appropriate person to arrange dietary or allergy-related accommodations

What can I do to make use of these resources?

Fill out the Health and Emergency forms located on our website at http://barnard.edu/precollege/summerprograms/accepted and email it to us at pcp@barnard.edu or fax it to our office at 212-854-8867. Someone in the Office of Precollege Programs will contact you upon receipt of the form. Please note that we may require additional paperwork or supporting documents upon reviewing this form.

International Students Information

Will I need a student visa to attend the Pre-College Program?

No.International students are not required to hold a student visa in order to attend the Pre-College Program at Barnard. Since Pre-College students are only in class for up to 18 hours a week, and the program is less than 90 days, a student visa is not necessary.

If I don’t need a student visa, do I need any kind of visa then?

Yes. A visitor visa is required of international students in order to enter the country. As published by the U.S. Department of State, a visitor visa (B-2) is required of any individual who takes a non-credit course in which classes are held for less than 18 hours per week.

Are there any exceptions to getting a visa?

Yes. If a student is traveling to the Pre-College Program from any of the following countries, he or she may be eligible to enroll in the Visa Waiver Program: